A new net-zero community centre in Warwick

The Township of Warwick is looking to replace its aging Centennial Hall, built in 1967 with a new multi-use facility that would be attached to the Watford Arena. A report dating back to 1989 noted that Centennial Hall did not conform to the requirements of the building code that was in effect then. Despite the report’s recommendation to close the building, it remains in operation 32 years later. The purpose of the feasibility study is to investigate various energy-efficiency and low-carbon measures that could be incorporated into the design to build a net-zero community centre and the financial feasibility of these measures for building the new centre. The new arena will include meeting and office areas, fitness areas, a childcare centre, changerooms, and a large gym/hall with a connected commercial kitchen and bar area. The study aims to meet net-zero building standards, and will look at the following environmental performance indicators: · Renewable energy (solar PV) · Building automation system · Cool roof for urban heat island effect · Paint that is low in volatile organic compounds · Low-mercury LED fixtures · Low flow plumbing fixtures · Rainwater harvesting The township promotes a high level of sustainability and energy efficiency in its building projects, and the current initiative aligns with several of its existing plans, policies, and documents. These include the Community-Based Strategic Plan (2019–2022), which prioritizes action-oriented leadership and stimulating growth and sustainable financial stability through innovative projects like this one. Innovative aspect(s): This project stands to be among the first net-zero buildings in the municipality and a showcase project for rural Ontario. The township’s partnership with the YMCA, whose mission is to help build healthier communities across Canada, represents a commendable initiative between public and not-for-profit sector. Replicability: The township is open to sharing its results with other municipalities. A lessons-learned exercise will result in a comprehensive shareable document outlining feasibility, design, and implementation processes to meet net zero-carbon buildings. This will benefit the region when it proceeds with work on other buildings in its inventory. Lessons learned will also be a resource to community partners, including conservation authorities and other municipalities with similar buildings. (Project description from original funding application)